By Róise Collins

A SECOND public meeting has been organised in Gaoth Dobhair tonight to discuss the future of the bridge in Bunbeg.

The bridge, which crosses the Clady River, has been a long-standing topic of concern among locals, particularly in relation to pedestrian safety.

The structure is only wide enough to accommodate two cars and lacks any pedestrian pathway.

A separate footbridge had previously been suggested as a solution to alleviate safety risks.

However, at a recent meeting of the Glenties Municipal District, councillors were told that following a consultation, the National Transport Authority had ruled out a footbridge, citing the cost as too high.

A spokesperson for Donegal County Council added that the footbridge was not a straightforward solution, describing it as a significant infrastructure project.

Councillors were told the estimated cost of installing traffic lights would be around €120,000, compared to as much as €700,000 for a footbridge – a difference of at least half a million euro.

Approximately €50,000 has already been spent assessing the existing structure.

In its place, a traffic light system is now being proposed.

The stop and go lights would create a dedicated space for pedestrians while allowing vehicles to cross the bridge one direction at a time.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of a traffic light system on local traffic flow.

The upcoming public meeting, scheduled for today, Thursday, at 6pm in Scoil Chonaill, Bunbeg, has been organised to address those concerns and agree on the future of the bridge.

Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig encouraged members of the community to attend and share their views.

He also called on local TDs Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher and Pearse Doherty to prioritise the issue as they return to the Dáil, pointing out that one is in government and the other in opposition.